Page 49 of State of Denial

“It is, and I’m sorry you’re finding that out the hard way. The good news is you’ll both feel better with some time. When you’re ready, you can try again.”

“I guess. We’ll see.”

“Don’t let the grief distract you from the goal, Freddie. You and Elin are meant to be parents. I’m sure of that.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“When have you known me not to be?”

He rolled his eyes. “On that note, don’t disappear on me, you hear?”

“Like you wouldn’t know where to find me if I did. Start with the other partner in the medical practice tomorrow. Rory. Ask him about the screaming fight. You know what to do.”

He nodded. “Just for the record, though, it won’t be as much fun without you.”

“Of course it won’t.”

Predictably, he groaned. “That was a softball.”

“And I hit it out of the park. Go home. Get some sleep. Thanks for coming.”

“Are you going home?”

“As soon as I get a chance to talk to Avery.”

He couldn’t stop touchingtheir faces, kissing them, stroking their hair, breathing in their familiar scents. Avery had feared he’d never see them again, and now that they were back in his arms, he might never let them out of his sight again.

Shelby hugged him so tightly, he could barely breathe, but who cared about breathing when the love of your life was back in your arms after fearing she might be killed? And Noah… The little guy was teary-eyed because his parents were. Fortunately, he’d never remember this horrifying evening.

He and Shelby would never forget it.

“It’s okay now, love,” he whispered to Shelby. “I’m here, and you’re both safe.”

Her body shook with sobs that enraged him. Someone tied to him had done this to her. To them. He would make them pay for that.

Avery stayed with them until they finally settled into a restless sleep. Only then did he disentangle himself so he could start to figure out how his family had nearly met with catastrophe.

Sam waited for him outside the cubicle. “How are they?”

“Distraught but sleeping.” He rubbed at the back of his neck, which was tight with more tension than he’d ever experienced. “What do you know?”

“Not much. There was a man and a woman. He had a gun. We couldn’t tell if she did, too. They’re in federal custody, so George will know more than I do.”

“Thanks for being here with her.”

“I wouldn’t have been anywhere else. Since you’re with them now, I’m going to head home.”

“Okay.”

“Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

“I will.”

“I’ll check in tomorrow.”

He nodded and went back into the cubicle to be with his family. How would he ever leave them again for any reason? His phone rang, and he took the call from George. “Who are they?”

“Remember the Farmington case about seven years ago?”

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